Chalachithram, the upcoming Malayalam film, will be a feel-good drama says filmmaker Gafoor Y Elliyaas.
The film is produced by the director along with Arya and Muhammed Musthafa under the Chalachithram Production banner. Apart from writing, directing and co-producing the film, Gafoor has also written the lyrics and managed the art and makeup departments.
Shot in the Gulf, Chalachithram stars Allepey Sudarshan, who has appeared in films like Albhuthadweep (2005). It also features a host of new faces, including Sudani and Pakistani actors.
Speaking to Silverscreen India, Gafoor says, “The film follows a character named Mammootty (played by Sudarshan) who aspires to enter the world of cinema and become an actor. He makes all possible efforts to achieve his passion but unfortunately, he is unable to make it. Due to his family’s financial condition, he then moves to a Gulf country for work. There too he tries his utmost to make his dream come true.”
The teaser of Chalachithram was released recently. As seen in it, a pair of slippers plays an important role in the film. In fact, the director adds, it is one of the film’s main characters. “The story is conveyed from the slippers’ perspective as well.”
“This is a film that will be enjoyed by family audiences and it will be truly inspiring for film aspirants,” he asserts.
There were only three technicians – the director, cinematographer Tonse Alex and editor Tinu K Thomas – present when filming Chalachithram. “We shot in Dubai, Sharjah and Al Quwain during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our idea was to make a film with limited crew members and we were able to pull it off. We began filming on November 1 and wrapped up in 21 days with some breaks in between.”
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Gafoor, who handpicked all the actors in the film, reveals that Nardisha plays a cameo role. He adds that there are around 14 pivotal characters in Chalachithram.
“The post-production work has been completed. We are waiting for the CBFC to certify the film. Our primary aim is to send it to film festivals as I believe the content will be relatable to everyone beyond language and culture barriers. There will also be a public release, hopefully by the end of this year,” says Gafoor, who has previously directed the Malayalam film Pareeth Pandari (2017), featuring Kalabhavan Shajohn in the lead role. The filmmaker has also assisted director Vinod Vijayan and acted in films like Mikhael and Brother’s Day.